Zaire: Information on whether Jehovah's Witnesses are currently being harassed and the meaning of the phrase "operating fully" as found in the 1993 US Senate reports on freedom of religion
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 August 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ZAR18129.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Zaire: Information on whether Jehovah's Witnesses are currently being harassed and the meaning of the phrase "operating fully" as found in the 1993 US Senate reports on freedom of religion, 1 August 1994, ZAR18129.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab9b50.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a representative at the world headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York, the organization has no evidence of their members being persecuted in Zaire, and the members are free to practise their religion (8 Aug. 1994). The representative added that any problems the members might be facing are due to the current political and tribal situation in Zaire, and not to their religious affiliation. With regard to the phrase "operating fully" in the 1993 US Senate reports on freedom of religion, the representative stated that it would mean the "freedom to operate without any restrictions as any other religious group" (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Jehovah's Witnesses, World Headquarters, Brooklyn, NY. 8 August 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
